School, while a place where students grow and prepare themselves for their futures, is also a source of immense stress for students. Whether it is keeping grades up or figuring out their future paths, the pressure, although plentiful, is commonly managed by students. However, this sense of control is often thrown out of the window when spring approaches. Activities multiply and it becomes easy to feel overwhelmed and burnt out.

Those involved in athletics are trying to keep themselves together with spring sports in progress. Baseball, softball and track and field are consuming those participating in the sports. The practices and games are cutting into the time these students have after school to perform other responsibilities, such as schoolwork or jobs. On top of this, volatile weather conditions have caused games and practices to be chaotically scheduled.

For those not into sports, student life is not easy either. As the Keystone Exams approach, many are preparing to the best of their abilities to achieve passing scores. Without a passing score, these students will have to retake the exam the following year until they succeed. The Keystone Exam is essential due to its requirement to graduate. These exams affect those taking Algebra I, Biology and English 10.

Other students have further stressors soon affecting them as well. Physics students present their long terms on May 3 at the eighth annual Science Conference. With many high-performing physics students graduating last year, the spotlight has been shifted towards a new group of already busy people. Additionally, Band and Chorus host their spring concert on May 8.

While these previously stated events stress underclassmen and some upperclassmen, other events exclusively target those already with a lot on their hands. College in High School classes and dual enrollment are beginning to wrap up with final tests that, while liberating, are also a rough end. Upperclassmen are also preparing for Prom on May 18—getting outfits and plans in order.

All these listed events can easily make others see why many students are exhausted during these last weeks of school. Sadly, these are also only the tip of the iceberg. Seniors have had the most aggravating year since COVID, with Federal Application for Student Aid (FAFSA) reworks and graduation projects. Typically available in October, the FAFSA had undergone a complete makeover from its dated form and delayed its release to students until the new year. Glitches have been plaguing the system since its release and have made filing for financial aid an even more painful process than it already is. While universities have received most of the submitted data, students are still having issues providing information such as their contributors onto the new forms. Some universities have been generous enough to extend their commitment deadlines, but this extra time still does not make up for the massive amount of time that students have been stressing over higher education. The FAFSA has a huge role in where students will spend the next chapter of their education. Without the aid they need to decide on a university, many students are stuck.

“I do not know where I am going to go because FAFSA is not out yet,” senior Colten Ditmore said.

While these seniors are panicking about college, senior projects are knocking on their doors. Many students have had issues with job shadows and other aspects of the projects, which have been completed extremely close to the deadline.

“I feel like there is not enough time in the year. Everything is going by so quickly, especially senior projects,” senior Jeramiah Byrd said.

After all is said and done, students will be able to relieve themselves of the burdens of school soon enough. Summertime is when people can recharge and relax. Underclassmen get to hang out with friends worry-free while juniors begin college tours alongside taking time off. For seniors, their newfound liberty comes with pursuing careers or preparing for college. While there is still one month of stress left for students, if everyone holds on for a little while longer, the stress will slowly come to an end.